Kapitel 7: Chapter 7: On My Way
I stood at the edge of the village square, Adjusting the strap of my satchel. I scanned around, looking for Elara and Kaigara. S'uu said they were supposed to meet us here to bid us farewell before I set off for Marcmarsh Swamp and Lovni Meadow.
"Is it weird that even though I know I'm probably going to die... I'm kinda excited?", I thought to myself before looking up at S'uu, "It's most definitely because S'uu is here." S'uu just brings a sense of safety
Suddenly though, a chill falls down my spine. On instinct, I turned to look behind me and just then I spotted Elara and Kaigara approaching us. Elara seems to have something wrapped in cloth in her hands. S'uu noticed them too and nodded in their direction.
"Are you ready Winston?" Elara asked, her voice calm but I could tell she was worried.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, trying to mask the anxiety in my voice as it shook.
Kaigara stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, stay alert and trust your instincts. You'll come back in one piece."
"Heh... I hope", I muttered, taking in Kaigara's words as he retracted his hand.
Elara approached closer, her eyes fixed on mine after she took a deep breath. "We've already put most of the stuff you need in your bag... But...," she said, handing me the cloth-wrapped bundle. "I wanted to give you this in person. It's a charm to protect against the swamp's toxins. Keep it close."
I took the bundle, feeling its weight in my hands. "Thank you, Elara," I said sincerely, grateful for their support.
I decided to unwrap the cloth. Doing so reveals a necklace with a silver chain and a blueish-green, polished gemstone charm in a silver holder. Gently and cautiously, I place the necklace around my neck. Surprisingly it fit over my head.
"Thank you," I repeated, my fingers lingering on the cool stone.
S'uu gave me a reassuring nod, "Let's move out. The sooner we leave, the better our chances."
As we turned to go, Elara called out, "May the spirits guide and protect you!" Her voice was strong, but I could see the worry etched on her face.
I offered a small smile, trying to project confidence I wasn't sure I felt. "I'll be back before you know it!"
With no more than an empty promise, we started down the path leading away from the village. As we walked, the sounds of the village faded, replaced by the quiet rustle of leaves and grass. S'uu led the way confidently, while I tried to match their pace, my mind racing with thoughts, "Oh, I'm so going to die! What did I think? I'm never going to make it back to Kelcy and Eveie...",
"I know you're anxious," S'uu said after a while, not looking back at me. "But remember, you're not alone in this."
Their words were a comfort, but I couldn't shake the knot of fear in my stomach. "Not for long... You have to stay near the village..."
S'uu glanced back at me, a small smile playing on their lips. "You have more strength than you realize. Trust in that."
We continued in silence, each step taking us further from the village. I tightened my grip on the straps of my satchel, while the charm rested around my neck.
We walked for what felt like hours. The path ahead was overgrown and uneven, but S'uu navigated it with ease, their presence a constant source of reassurance. As the sun climbed higher, casting dappled light through the canopy above, the air grew thick with the scent of earth and wildflowers.
Gradually, the path became narrower, forcing us to walk single file. I could feel the weight of the straps of my backpack on my shoulder and the... "steady" rhythm of my own breath. Every so often, I glanced at S'uu, they seem so calm even though they know of the creatures out here.
We passed through a grove of old-looking trees, their gnarled roots twisting like snakes across the forest floor. The light filtering through the leaves created an almost ethereal atmosphere, making me feel like we were stepping into another world... Heh! Oh, wait! I nervously giggled.
S'uu looked back at me, "Are you alright?", they asked.
"I- uh... Yeah.....", I quickly reply. At least that made S'uu stop so I could catch up to them
As the hours dragged on, fatigue began to set in. My legs ached, and my mouth was dry from the constant walking. Yet, S'uu pressed on without complaint, their steady pace never faltering.
Eventually, S'uu came to a stop. Up ahead I could even see the path coming to a halt as grass overcomes it. "This is as far as I can go," S'uu said, turning to face me.
"Ya'know," S'uu began to say as they faced the sun through the clearing of leaves. "We actually got to the end of the road earlier than I thought, It's only noon's peak."
"...", I gulped, "huh..."
A lump formed in my throat as I nodded. "Oh- I... uh...", I thought for a moment, "Which direction is the... things?"
S'uu pointed to the east. "Head southeast to Marcmarsh Swamp first. The Moonbloom only blooms at midnight, so you'll have time to reach Lovni Meadow in the northeast after obtaining the Chimera Serpent scales."
"Oh! And Kaigara put a lapis compass and map in your bag if you lost.", S'uu smiled brightly.
I take a deep breath, "G-Got it.", I stutter.
S'uu's eyes softened, sensing my hesitation. "Remember, Winston, you're stronger than you think. Trust in yourself."
S'uu taps one of the side pockets of my backpack, "And trust in Z'zatira.", they giggle, obviously trying to cheer me up.
I gave a small nod, though my heart wasn't in it. "Thanks, S'uu. For everything."
Before turning back towards the village, S'uu knelt down and scooped up a handful of dirt. They whispered an incantation and the dirt began to glow with a soft blue light, forming into a glass orb filled with flickering blue flames. Handing it to me, S'uu explained, "This will help you see when it gets dark. There are also backup candles and matches in your bag."
I took the orb, feeling the warmth of the flames through the glass. "Thank you," I said with a subtle smile.
S'uu gave me one last reassuring smirk before heading back towards the village. I watched them go, a pang of guilt twisting in my stomach. I didn't want to continue on my own, but I knew I had no choice. I have to fix what I started, though... if it does get bad I can just run back... Right?
With a heavy sigh, I turned and began walking southeast. Or at least... What I think is southeast based on where S'uu pointed.
.
.
.
As I walked, the trees began to close in around me, their branches intertwining. I almost trip on some roots that peek out from the ground. Making sure I don't trip again though, I notice all the tiny plants that grow along with the grass. Some look like ferns and others look like a mix of clovers and poison ivy.
"Ugh...", I sigh, trying my best to keep on track without a path.
After a few minutes, I paused to catch my breath. I take this moment to take out the lapis compass from my backpack. The needle spun erratically for a moment before settling, pointing southeast. "Guess I must've gone slightly off track...," I muttered, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Just as I resumed walking, a rustle in the underbrush startled me. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. My instincts kicked in, and I remembered Kaigara's words, "Stay alert." Holding my breath, I squinted into the thicket, half-expecting a creature to leap out.
A moment later, a small, fox-like creature emerged, its bright blue fur glimmering in the dappled sunlight. The creature brushed both of its tails along the ground.
It paused, cocked its head, and stared at me with curious eyes. I exhaled slowly, relieved, and a small smile crept onto my face.
"Hey there, little guy," I whispered, crouching down. The creature reluctantly and cautiously stepped closer, its bushy tails swishing playfully.
"Aw...", I smiled, "You remind me of Buggy!", I softly giggled.
It kinda looks like Buggy too... Other than the two tails... And bright blue fur... Okay, maybe just the fact it's a fox...
Suddenly, a low growl reverberated through the trees. The fox-like creature froze, ears perked up, and darted back into the brush. My heart raced as I turned toward the sound.
"What was that?!", I thought.
I had no time to think. Instinct took over as I turned and sprinted down in the direction I saw the compass show southeast.
Branches whipped at my face, and my breath came in ragged gasps as I navigated the uneven ground. I could hear the growl echoing behind me, closer with every second.
"Focus, Winston! Just keep moving!" I urged myself. I continued onward, jumping over roots as I ran.
Just as I felt my legs begin to tire, the trees opened up into a small clearing. I skidded to a halt, my heart hammering in my chest. My eyes darted around, searching for anything, sound or otherwise.
Ahead, a moss-covered stone stood in the middle of the clearing. I took a hesitant step forward, but then the growl erupted again, now sounding right behind him.
I turned around and out of the underbrush, a hulking figure emerged, part wolf, part something else, with silver glowing eyes. Two limbs flow like ribbons from its back.
My blood ran cold. I fumbled for my dagger, heart racing, as it took a step forward. "Stay back!" I shouted, trying to sound brave despite the fear coursing through me. But the creature simply growled, baring its teeth.
Then suddenly a beep came from my wrist. I quickly looked at the cuff with angry eyes as the cuff spoke in the same annoying robotic voice, "Caution, Subject is under stress."
I looked back at the wolf with the same eyes. It readied itself to pounce as it growled.
"Come on then!" I shouted, "Bastard! I'm not afraid of you!"
Lies.
The creature scoffed, as we stared each other down, the tension crackling in the air. I took a cautious step back, instincts screaming to flee, but I knew running would only provoke it further.
Again the cuff beeped, "Subject continues to undergo stress, activating AA serum"
"Wait!- that took less-", I winced as I felt a prick and my veins began to burn.
The wolf then took this opportunity to lunge at me. I grit my teeth as I watch the claws of the creature aim for my head. Quickly, feeling a bit of a rush, I crouched and jumped sideways. Though, I didn't have a nice landing as I fell on my side into the dirt.
Gritting my teeth, I scrambled to my feet. Then, I watched as the wolf-like creature turned its glowing eyes toward me, snarling with frustration.
"H-heh... Overgrown runt missed their attack?", I mocked, laying the orb and compass on the ground.
Though, I couldn't get my dagger yet and the wolf lunged at me once again. A bit startled, I barely dodged, ducking as I sidestepped.
I could tell I didn't have time to wait and mock the bastard anymore as I saw it quickly turn and scowl at me. Foam started to form at the corners of its mawl.
I stumbled with my backpack and quickly pulled the dagger from the side pocket. However, I was forced to drop the backpack as I rolled out of the way from another attack from the bastard.
This time it tried another approach, using its mouth to chomp at me. Of course, I swiftly dodged it... Maybe... Anyway! I quickly push the dagger in front of me, readying to go on the offensive.
However... I suddenly realize that the dagger is still sheathed... At least it's the right dagger...
"Alright... We can do this!" I muttered under my breath, unsheathing my dagger. I through the velvet onto the ground as I watched the overgrown runt lunge again, its silver eyes locked on me. This time, I was ready.... Well... Readier...
I sidestepped its attack, slashing with my dagger as it passed by. The blade made contact, leaving a shallow cut on the creature's flank. It howled in pain, but the wound only seemed to enrage it further, as little of the green blood trickled from the cut.
We circled each other briefly, the wolf growling menacingly. I kept my eyes locked on its every movement, waiting for the right moment to strike. The clearing seemed to close in around us, as the air thickened.
The bastard lunged once more, and I dodged, rolling to the side and coming up behind it. With a swift motion, I drove my dagger into its hind leg. The creature roared in pain, staggering slightly.
"Heh...", I stumbled backwards slightly before backing up. "I don't know if it's... good or not... Huh... But.... Huh.... I think... I'm getting used to this...", I mutter as I try to catch my breath.
The bastards turned to face me, it snarled at me in angry as foam frothed from it's mouth It charged, faster than before, and I barely had time to react. I braced myself, holding my dagger out in front of me.
At the last moment, I instinctively dropped to the ground, sliding beneath the creature and slashing upwards with my dagger. The blade struck, cutting deep into its underbelly. The creature let out an agonized howl as green blood spewed from the cut into the gound. I barely dodged the blood as I jumped away from the wolf.
I turn around quickly, backing myself. However, I lower my stance as down on the ground lay the bastard, motionless on the ground.
Panting, I stood up, wiping the sweat from my brow. My heart was still racing, but the immediate danger had, hopefully, passed.
I cautiously walk over to the corpse. Making sure it was dead, I held my dagger beside its head before taping the red gem.
The red gem glowed as a light perice through the head of the wolf. I tap it again and it retracts, leaving a clean hole through the bastard's skull.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein